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Compare Lialda vs. Apriso

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.

Key takeaways

Mesalamine DR (Lialda) and mesalamine DR (Apriso, Asacol HD, Delzicol, Pentasa) both contain mesalamine and are used for ulcerative colitis (UC). They help reduce inflammation in the gut, but they have some important differences. Mesalamine DR (Lialda) is specifically a delayed-release tablet taken once daily with food, while mesalamine DR (Apriso) comes in various forms, such as delayed-release tablets and extended-release capsules, with different dosing schedules. Lialda is approved for both adults and children, whereas most other mesalamine DR brands are for adults. Both medications are available as a lower-cost generic. Possible side effects include headache, stomach upset, and sun sensitivity. Both medications can interact with NSAIDs, increasing the risk of kidney problems, but Apriso should not be taken with antacids.

  • Mesalamine dr (Lialda)
    Mesalamine
  • Mesalamine dr (Lialda)
    Mesalamine

  • Summary of Lialda vs. Apriso

    Summary for Aminosalicylate
    Prescription only

    Mesalamine DR (Lialda) is an aminosalicylate that's used to treat mild-to-moderate ulcerative colitis (UC) in adults and children. It's a delayed-release (DR) tablet that's taken by mouth once daily with food. Side effects aren't common but can include headache and stomach upset. Mesalamine DR (Lialda) also has a risk for serious skin rash and sensitivity to the sun (e.g., might sunburn more easily).

    Summary for Aminosalicylate
    Prescription only

    Mesalamine is used to help with an inflammatory bowel disease called ulcerative colitis (UC). It helps relieve symptoms of mild or moderate UC, such as stomach pain, diarrhea, and gut inflammation. This medication can also be used to maintain remission (prevent UC flare-ups) in adults. There are many brand names for mesalamine on the market, and they all have lower-cost generics available. The dosage depends on the brand and formulation of mesalamine you have. In general, this medication can cause side effects like headache and indigestion.

  • Indications of Lialda vs. Apriso

    Indications for
    •Mild-to-moderate ulcerative colitis (UC) in adults and children weighing at least 53 lbs
    Indications for
    •Ulcerative colitis (UC)

  • Pros and Cons of Lialda vs. Apriso

    Pros and Const for Aminosalicylate
    Pros
    •Taken by mouth once daily
    •Available as a generic
    Cons
    •Need to take with food
    •Only available as an extended-release tablet that can't be crushed, broken, or chewed
    Pros and Const for Aminosalicylate
    Pros
    •Easy to take since it's a pill that's swallowed
    •Generally mild side effects
    •A first-choice option for preventing flare-ups in adults with mild UC
    •Lower-cost generics available
    Cons
    •Typically need to take a few pills for each dose
    •Can take a few weeks before you start to feel the effects
    •Might cause kidney stones and make your skin more sensitive to the sun
    •Might not be the best option for people with liver problems

  • Common Side Effects of Lialda vs. Apriso

    Common Side Effects for
    •Headache (3%)
    •Stomach pain (2%)
    •Diarrhea (2%)
    •Abnormal liver enzyme levels (2%)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Headache
    •Stomach pain
    •Nausea
    •Diarrhea
    •Indigestion

  • Warnings of Lialda vs. Apriso

    Common Side Effects for
    •Kidney damage and kidney stones
    •Acute intolerance syndrome
    •Severe allergic reactions
    •Severe skin reactions
    •Liver problems
    •Caution in people with gut blockage
    •Skin that's sensitive to sun and light
    Common Side Effects for
    •Kidney problems, including kidney stones
    •Abnormal reaction to mesalamine
    •Liver problems
    •Allergic reactions and severe skin reactions
    •Iron content in certain tablets and capsules of mesalamine
    •Caution use in people with phenylketonuria (for Apriso extended-release capsules only)

  • Prices with our coupons for Lialda vs. Apriso

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